EMCA at the Associations World Congress 2026: Bringing Innovation and New Perspectives to Our Community

From 7 to 9 June 2026, EMCA participated in the Associations World Congress (AWC 2026) in Faro, Portugal, organized by the Association of Association Executives (AAE).

Representing EMCA through an AAE scholarship, Lysimahi Slavi (EMCA Secretary) joined more than 140 association professionals and executives together with over 60 technology and solution providers from across Europe and beyond to explore the future of associations.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation were the dominant themes throughout the Congress, extending far beyond dedicated AI sessions and becoming central topics in governance, membership engagement, communication, education and operational efficiency.

The Congress highlighted that associations, regardless of their size or scientific field, are facing remarkably similar challenges: governance continuity, member engagement, financial sustainability, non-dues revenue generation and the responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence.

Beyond the educational sessions, the Congress provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences with executives from international associations, AI specialists, software developers, event professionals and communication experts. Several new professional connections were established and opportunities for future collaboration, sponsorship and knowledge exchange are currently being explored.

One of the immediate outcomes of the Congress has already been implemented: the EMCA Governance Assistant, an AI-powered pilot project designed to support Board continuity and preserve organizational knowledge.

Participation in the Associations World Congress demonstrated that EMCA is not an isolated small scientific association, but an organization capable of standing alongside established international associations, exchanging knowledge and contributing practical solutions to common challenges.

EMCA already possesses a lean and effective digital ecosystem and has the opportunity to become an early adopter of practical AI applications, governance innovation and cost-efficient digital transformation within its sector.

The experience gained in Faro will continue to support EMCA's strategic development and its commitment to providing innovative, practical and member-focused services to the mosquito control community across Europe.

By Lysimahi Slavi       

EMCA secretary